Fresh Tips for Hormonal Balance & Energy Recovery- Let's Rethink That Glass of Wine

We all know hormonal shifts don’t take a holiday, and the indulgences of the festive season can amplify their effects quite dramatically. 

As January rolls on in, the sparkle of the festive season often gives way to a pretty different vibe. It’s one where the excesses of December perhaps feel like a thing of the distant past. But, it doesn't need to be miserable. For many, it’s not just about shaking off the hedonistic fogginess but to reflect on how to move forward in a way that feels healthier and more balanced (for your hormones).

Furthermore, for women in, or approaching perimenopause, this time of year offers a valuable opportunity to reset and reconnect with what your body really needs. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how to support liver health during perimenopause, share energy recovery tips, and look at managing hormonal changes post-festive season.

• Increased sensitivity to alcohol: As we age, our bodies hold less water (1). Translation? That cheeky glass of wine feels like a double shot now.
• It makes perimenopause symptoms worse (2): Hot flushes, night sweats, and sleepless nights love a good excuse to show up—alcohol gives them one.
• Impacts mental health: Feeling low or anxious (3)? That “relaxing” drink could be stirring the pot rather than calming it.
• Increases health risks: Regular drinking during perimenopause can elevate the risk (4) of heart disease, osteoporosis, and weight gain. 
• Amplifies alcohol's effects: Hormonal changes (5) during perimenopause can make you more sensitive to alcohol, intensifying its impact.

The liver (6) often takes centre stage when we think about recovery. Whether it was festive cocktails, rich dinners, or simply just eating more than usual, your liver has likely been working overtime. For women in perimenopause, it plays a dual role: not only processing toxins but also metabolising hormones like oestrogen, too.

When the liver is overloaded, symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and even mood swings can creep in. That said, supporting liver function in January isn’t about extreme detoxes, juice cleanses and starvation but rather focusing on what helps this hard-working organ thrive.

Valerie’s top tips for post-indulgence liver support:

• Include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale in your meals, it’s a great help to boost those detoxification pathways.
• Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas like dandelion or peppermint.
• Avoid highly processed foods for a while, giving your liver some breathing room.

The lingering exhaustion many feel in January isn’t just the result of late nights. For women in perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations make it harder for the body to recover from disrupted sleep and excess sugar or alcohol. 

Add to that, cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, can stay elevated after weeks of indulgence, leaving you feeling tired but wired.

Energy recovery starts with small steps:

1. Prioritise consistent sleep: Create a calming bedtime routine to encourage quality rest.
2. Balance blood sugar: Pair carbohydrates with protein or healthy fats to avoid energy dips.
3. Gentle movement: Walking or restorative yoga can help reset cortisol levels and improve overall energy.

After December’s excess, January can be an eye-opener when it comes to alcohol. You might have noticed that the same amount you used to enjoy now hits differently; more disrupted sleep, heightened anxiety, or a general sluggishness the next day. For women in perimenopause, alcohol amplifies hormonal imbalances, affecting everything from hot flushes to mood.

While “Dry Jan” might not appeal to everyone, even a temporary reduction in alcohol consumption can have surprising benefits (7):

• Better sleep quality.
• Reduced bloating and clearer skin.
• Fewer energy crashes and improved focus.

If you’re looking for alternatives, non-alcoholic drinks have come a long way. Kombucha, botanical sodas, or alcohol-free tipples can offer a satisfying swap without the after-effects.

January is the perfect time to give some love to the gut-liver axis. The overindulgence of the festive period often disrupts this connection, leading to bloating, fatigue, or sluggish digestion. 

The gut and liver work in harmony to eliminate toxins and support hormonal health, but stress, alcohol, and rich foods can interfere with this lovely balance.

Simple ways to support gut-liver health:

• Start your day with warm water and lemon to kick-start digestion and liver detoxification.
• Add fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, or kefir to rebuild gut flora.
• Focus on fibre-rich foods to support detoxification through the liver and bowel.

January doesn’t need to be a drastic overhaul. Instead, it’s a chance to reflect on how you feel and make gentle, sustainable changes. Recovery from the festive season can be a time to nourish your body, restore balance, and explore new habits that align with your needs on a more personal level.

Small steps to feel better:

1. Nourish your body: Prioritise whole foods rich in nutrients like magnesium (8) and omega-3s (9).
2. Get moving: Gentle exercise helps boost circulation, supports mood, and clears the mind.
3. Hydrate and rest: Never underestimate the power of water and quality downtime.

Feeling frazzled post-festive season? For women in perimenopause, January is perfect to reset with balanced hormones, better liver health, and renewed energy—Valerie style.

• Remember that recovery is about nourishment, not restriction. So, focus on supporting your liver, gut, and your energy.
• Reflecting on alcohol’s role can help you make choices that feel better for your body.
• Gentle, consistent self-care beats any drastic and draining “detox” plan.
• Every step, no matter how small, is a move toward feeling more balanced.

Ready to invest in your recovery? Start your January post-partying recovery with Valerie’s Daily Essential Shot, packed with nutrients for energy, hormone balance, and overall wellness during perimenopause.